Self-Abandonment to Dunhuang

CHINA

The phrase “Self-Abandonment to Dunhuang” was coined by the renowned Chinese artist Chang Dai-Chien who, in 1914, traveled to Dunhuang to analyze and paint copies of the famous murals in the Mogao Caves. The phrase expresses Chang’s complete devotion to this and other artistic endeavors.
Carved in a conventional style with a strong, skillful use of the knife, this seal consists of delicate and finely carved lines and character strokes. Slightly thinner, the lines comprising the border help to accentuate the character forms and add to an overall aesthetically pleasing seal design. A colophon on the side of the seal denotes that the seal was commissioned by Chang Dai-Chien.
Chen Julai was also known as Jia or Quezhai. Born in Pinghu, Zhejiang, he was a disciple of Zhao Shuru and was known for his finesse in seal engraving. Chen was also well-known for his skill in carving seals in the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) style, as well as the many personal seals he created for renowned Chinese artists such as Chang Dai-Chien, Pu Ru, and Wu Hufan.